April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! During this month and throughout the year, everyone has a role in preventing child abuse and neglect. In Kentucky, every adult is a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect. Oral health professionals are in a unique position to recognize and report signs of abuse and neglect during their dental exams and procedures as it is estimated over 50% of injuries from child abuse occur on the head and [...]

KOHC's top priority is keeping all Kentuckians safe during these uncertain times.  As a collaborative effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus and alleviate the burden on hospitals and emergency departments, KOHC along with several key oral health partners across the state released an infographic to provide guidance for individuals, families, and caregivers on how to approach dental care needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please share the guidance below about how to maintain good oral [...]

This post will be updated as more information becomes available.  During this uncertain time, KOHC is dedicated to monitoring the latest updates and recommendations from the CDC, the Kentucky Department for Public Health, and Governor Beshear. We will continue to share information and engage the oral health community. We encourage you all to self-quarantine for your own safety and that of your loved ones, and the wonderful communities that represent Kentucky. We will get through this [...]

The 2020 census is here! The census is a once in a decade opportunity to count every person—adults, children, and babies—living in the United States. The population data gathered during the census count is used for everything from funding allocations for critical programs that serve kids and families to drawing voting districts and planning locations for new schools, hospitals, and retail centers. Most children benefit from at least one of the hundreds of federal programs that rely on [...]

It’s estimated that over 50 percent of injuries from child abuse are on the head and neck. That means warning signs of abuse are front and center for dentists, dental hygienists, and other oral health professionals who see patients twice annually. This sector of health professionals have unique opportunities to ask important questions, provide key information, and observe both parents and children for warning signs of abuse and neglect.  Beginning in 2019, the Kosair Charities Face It Movement partnered with Delta Dental of [...]

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and the American Dental Association is kicking it off with a campaign to promote the benefits of drinking fluoridated tap water. The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition is proud to join professionals, parents, and community members to help establish positive attitudes, practice good oral hygiene habits, and teach children about the importance of maintaining good oral and overall physical health to set them up for a lifetime of healthy [...]

As oral health advocates, we are counting on you to raise your voice against  Senate Bill 86. For over 70 years, public water providers have had a direct connection to improving the oral health of Kentucky children and adults through fluoridation of the public drinking water supply.  This regulation, administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has been a safe, reliable, cost-effective preventive measure to keep teeth strong and reduce cavities by at [...]

By Alicia Whatley Kentucky Oral Health Coalition members and oral health stakeholders from across the state came together for the 2019 Kentucky Oral Health Coalition annual meeting on Friday, December 6. We kicked off the meeting with an outstanding keynote speaker, Rebekah Fiehn. Rebekah is the Healthcare Data Exchange Specialist at the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement. Rebekah spoke about teledentistry on a national level and the trends the oral health community is [...]

Delta Dental of Kentucky is partnering with the Kosair Charities' Face It Movement to equip dental professionals with the information they need to recognize and report child abuse and neglect. It is estimated that more than 50% of injuries due to child abuse are on the head and neck – meaning the warning signs of abuse are front and center for dental professionals. This group of health professionals have unique opportunities to ask important questions, [...]

By Alicia Whatley October is National Dental Hygiene Month. This is a great time to celebrate the critical work dental hygienists do and to help raise awareness on the importance of good oral health. It’s especially important as we near Halloween and the endless amounts of candy that never seem to disappear. Practicing good oral hygiene is important for everyone at every age. Engaging in daily dental hygiene practices helps to prevent gum disease, cavities, [...]